The whippoorwill is a nocturnal bird known for its distinct, repetitive call. Its elusive nature means it is more frequently heard than observed, especially during the twilight hours and on moonlit nights when it is most active. These birds possess cryptic plumage that provides camouflage, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Understanding where these birds are found involves exploring their broad geographic range, their preferred types of habitats, and their seasonal movements.
Geographic Distribution
Whippoorwills are primarily found across North America, with their breeding range extending from central and southeastern Canada, including Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, west to Saskatchewan, and south through the eastern and central United States. This includes states as far south as Oklahoma and South Carolina. While their main presence is in the eastern and central parts of the continent, some disjunct populations exist in the southwestern United States, specifically in areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Their wintering range extends into the southern United States, and further south into eastern Mexico and Central America. They are also found in parts of the Caribbean.
Preferred Habitats
Whippoorwills inhabit woodlands and forests, showing a preference for dry deciduous or mixed forests. They often seek areas with sparse to moderate understory cover, favoring habitats that offer a combination of dense forest for roosting and more open spaces for foraging. This includes pine-oak woodlands, mixed pine-hardwood forests, and even scrubby woodlands with pitch pine, scrub oak, and hickory.
These birds are commonly associated with forest edges, clearings, and open fields within or adjacent to forested areas. The presence of open understories or clearings is particularly important as these provide suitable conditions for their nocturnal foraging activities. For nesting, whippoorwills lay their eggs directly on the leaf litter of the forest floor, relying on their camouflage for protection. They often choose shaded locations, sometimes on the north or northeast side of a small plant, to shield their eggs from the sun.
Migration Patterns
Whippoorwills are migratory birds, undertaking significant journeys between their breeding and wintering grounds each year. Their breeding season occurs in the northern parts of their range, primarily across the eastern United States and southern Canada. As cooler temperatures arrive and insect populations decline, they embark on their southward migration.
Their wintering grounds are located in the southeastern United States, including Florida, and extend into Mexico, Central America, and occasionally the Caribbean. Spring migration sees them returning to their breeding sites from late March to mid-May, while fall migration typically begins in August and continues through early September to late November. During their migratory journeys, whippoorwills often travel overland, with studies indicating that populations from across the Midwest follow similar migratory paths, avoiding direct flights over the Gulf of Mexico.